Grampus announce striker Sato's arrival

NAGOYA - Relegated Nagoya Grampus on Monday announced the signing of Sanfrecce Hiroshima striker Hisato Sato, the all-time second-highest goalscorer in the J. League top flight with 161 goals.

“I’ll give my heart and soul to get Nagoya back to where they should be,” said the 34-year-old in a club statement. “I’m reaching the stage in my career where I’m called a veteran, but I’d like to grow further.”

Sato, who has represented Sanfrecce since 2005, reached double figure goals in each of the past seven seasons and steered Hiroshima to J1 titles in 2012, 2013 and 2015. But he netted only four times in the league this year after making eight starts in 19 appearances.

Grampus, the 2010 J1 champions who suffered their first relegation this year, are busy preparing for their first J2 season with Kawasaki Frontale manager Yahiro Kazama set to be named as the new sideline boss. Kazama has led Kawasaki to second in the overall standings this campaign and into the J. League Championship playoff semifinal.